Brandishing a Firearm: When and When Not Too

What is the difference between Kyle Rittenhouse, Daniel Penny, Luigi Mangione and their actions? This is a pretty interesting question. Let’s TAKE A LOOK. Kyle Rittenhouse shot three people, killing two and wounding one, and tried to shoot another (‘jumpkick man,’ later identified as Maurice Freeland). Rittenhouse’s defensive shootings are of such legal clarity, I think it’ll be taught in criminal defense classes for years to come. In each shooting, he undoubtedly had the right to defend himself, and could articulate the threat. In each shooting, he used only the necessary force (which is why Grosskreutz lived after being disarmed, pun not intended) to stop the threat. The prosecution’s case was literally built on lies and a willfully dishonest portrayal of literally every fact involved in the incident. Daniel Penny is an arguable self-defense case, with some fun misdeeds by government actors like the Medical Examiner rushing to make a statement without having all the facts. But I would argue, as would many, that he’s right in holding Neely until he stopped struggling or was taken into custody. And, as his team argued, there’s quite a bit of question about what killed Neely, who, according to at least two witnesses, was breathing when Penny released him. Luigi Mangione had no excuse. Indeed, he didn’t even have an articulable personal beef with Brian Thompson (at least, not that we have thus far discovered). He didn’t have United for health insurance. He didn’t personally know Brian Thompson. He wasn’t one of those unfortunates who end up not getting health care because they’re poor. Indeed, he lived the life of an overprivileged member of the upper crust, descended from a family that owned golf clubs and assisted living facilities (by the way, if there is any medical/healthcare business more ghoulish than insurance, it is easily assisted living facilities). He received quality medical care for his surfing injury, but there’s only so much we can do these days for injuries to the spine and brain, and it seems like the idea that he would have to live with an injury from his ‘extreme sport’ lifestyle angered him and set him a-tizzy. My reading of his situation, as it stands today, is that Luigi was mad and wanted to make a name for himself, and suspected it was never going to happen in any other facet of life. And how dare medical science is not so advanced as to make him whole again after he was injured doing an activity that is, yes, dangerous. Kid’s a spoiled brat. So, in order, you have ‘justified, justified, and unjustified’ homicides.

Man Who Fired Shots Into the Air Outside San Angelo Home Sentenced to 2.5 Years for Gun Crime Thursday, February 6, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas A man who fired shots outside a San Angelo residence was sentenced to 30 months in prison for a federal gun crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham. Edgar Eduardo Gamez-Rodriguez, a 22-year-old citizen of Mexico , was indicted in September 2024 and pleaded guilty in October 2024 to illegal alien in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix. According to a plea papers, at around 5:05 a.m. on Oct. 1, 2023, law enforcement responded to a call of “shots fired” outside a home in San Angelo. Witnesses who were attending a party there, reported that Mr. Gamez-Rodriguez had fired several rounds from a handgun into the air. A sheriff’s office incident report details how Mr. Gamez-Rodriguez – intoxicated and irate at having his keys taken away – pulled out his gun, racked the slide, and pointed it straight at two musicians who’d been hired to play at the party. He climbed into his vehicle, then fired four to six shots into the air before driving off, according to multiple witnesses. He later allegedly told a partygoer he “knows people” who could “shoot up” the house. According to plea papers, law enforcement later executed a search warrant at Mr. Gamez-Rodriguez’s residence, where they recovered a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun along with two 9mm magazines. In the drawer where the gun and ammunition were stored, they found an employment contract with Mr. Gamez-Rodriguez’s signature and the keys to his vehicle. Officers also reviewed Mr. Gamez-Rodriguez’s Facebook profile photo, which showed him holding a black handgun. A query of the defendant’s immigration records showed that he was a citizen of Mexico based on his birth in Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico. Mr. Gamez-Rodriguez had never been given permission to enter or remain in the United States and had been removed to Mexico previously via Laredo. After serving his sentence, Mr. Gamez-Rodriguez will once again face deportation proceedings. Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Haag prosecuted the case. Contact Erin Dooley Press Officer 214-659-8707 erin.dooley@usdoj.gov Updated February 6, 2025

Dominican National Charged with False Statement To Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer Monday, February 3, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Eugenio Gonzalez-Paredes (53, Dominican Republic) with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. If convicted, Gonzalez-Paredes faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Gonzalez-Paredes made a false statement on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Form 4473 stating that he had not previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison. At the time Gonzalez-Paredes made the statement, he had previously been convicted twice in the United States District Court in the District of Puerto Rico for illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Updated February 3, 2025

Parrish Florida Man Indicted For Possessing Multiple Firearms as a Convicted Felon Friday, February 7, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Jason Peterson (29, Parrish) with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Peterson faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Peterson that the United States intends to forfeit a Smith & Wesson firearm, a Bauer firearm, and a Rossi firearm, used in the commission of the offense. According to the indictment, between on or about July 1, 2024, and on or about November 16, 2024, Peterson knowingly possessed a Smith & Wesson firearm and a Bauer firearm. Additionally, on or about October 24, 2024, Peterson knowingly possessed a Rossi firearm. Prior to his possession of each firearm, Peterson knew he had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including resisting an officer with violence, delivery of a controlled substance, felony littering, and two separate convictions of battery on a law enforcement officer. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang. This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Updated February 7, 2025

How to Spot and Prevent a Carbon Monoxide Leak Kielma February 2025 Home Defense Safety Talk Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales Protect your home from dangerous CO. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that's produced when fossil fuels are burned. It's colorless, odorless and silent, making it virtually impossible to detect on its own until it's too late. CO poisoning is totally preventable with the proper use of carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide blocks your blood's ability to carry oxygen. Specifically, it replaces the spot that oxygen normally takes on the hemoglobin in red blood cells by bonding more tightly to it. When your blood can no longer continue its job of carrying the oxygen your body needs to keep your organs operating, especially your brain, your organs will shut down. You may be wondering what causes carbon monoxide in and around a house, and there are several common culprits. Anything that burns fossil fuels is a potential danger. This list includes (but is not limited to) cars, trucks, furnaces, stoves, gas ranges, small engines, generators, grills, lanterns and fireplaces. Improper use or maintenance of these devices can cause CO to build up to deadly levels in your home. • Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips For The Winter Months What are the signs of a CO leak? Carbon monoxide smells like nothing; it's odorless. Without a CO detector, it's unlikely you'll notice a CO leak until it's too late. That's why it's important to have CO detectors in your home that can identify low levels of carbon monoxide before it becomes dangerous. How dangerous is CO? Carbon monoxide is deadly. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often described as flu-like, including headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, dizziness, weakness and confusion. A person who's sleeping is unlikely to register these symptoms and can easily die in their sleep. Plus, the CO itself can put you to sleep and then kill you. Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning, but infants and the elderly are particularly susceptible, as are people with heart problems, anemia and breathing issues. According to the CDC, over 400 people in the US die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room and over 14,000 are hospitalized every year. How do CO detectors work? CO detectors measure the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air, triggering an alarm if it's high enough. What should I do if my CO detector goes off? If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get everyone out of the house and into fresh air immediately and then call emergency services. It takes time for carbon monoxide to dissipate, so don't assume it's safe to go back into your home when the alarm stops. Make sure your CO detector has fresh batteries; changing them twice a year at the same time we change our clocks for Daylight Saving Time is a good way to help you remember. Are there any other ways to detect CO? You can't detect carbon monoxide without a CO detector, but you may be able to identify potential CO hazards around your home. Poorly maintained and poorly ventilated gas-fueled household appliances are the most common culprits, so be sure to keep an eye on them. These potential hazards include brownish or yellowing stains around appliances, pilot lights that go out frequently, yellow (instead of clear blue) burner flames, no upward draft in your chimney flue, stale-smelling air, and soot or smoke in your home. What are the best ways to prevent a CO leak? Be sure to have your chimney, heating system, water heater and any other appliances that burn gas, oil or coal serviced yearly by a qualified technician. If you see, smell or sense anything is "off," get it checked out immediately. • Only buy gas equipment if it carries the seal of a national testing agency such as Underwriters' Laboratories. Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly; horizontal vent pipes should angle up slightly as they go outdoors. • Never try to patch a vent pipe with tape or gum or anything else. Don't use a gas oven to heat your home. Don't burn charcoal inside your home. • Don't use a portable gas camp stove or portable flameless chemical heaters indoors. If you use a generator, don't use it inside your home or garage -- or even within 20 feet of any window or vent. All of these things can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide in your home. For backup power, consider options like a solar generator or portable power station, which don't burn fossil fuels or run the risk of carbon monoxide. You should avoid running a car inside a closed garage. Did you know that you also shouldn't run your car in an attached garage even with the garage door open? People have been doing this on cold winter days to warm up my car, but I certainly will never do so again even in Florida. It's also a good idea to have your car's exhaust system checked over by a mechanic every year. If you drive a vehicle with a tailgate, be sure to open the vents or window whenever the tailgate is open.

Home Hero Fire Blanket How Does it Work? Is it Right for Your Home? Presented by Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor- First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- (Trained but not current: Firefighter-Hazmat Team Member) Says FFL, Firearm's instructor Gregg Kielma, "fire arm and fire safety at the home is paramount to your protection. Is the bad guy armed or is there a fire inside your home? If you have a break-in from a perpetrator or fire, can you combat it until LEO or firefighters arrive? Will you be a home invasion victim? Will your home burn down? What can you do to buy yourself time safely? Today let's take a look at fire prevention safety.... 1. Stop Fire In Its Tracks There are over 358,000 house fires in the USA every year. Almost all of them start small and are controllable. You can use a Prepared Hero's Fire Blanket to safely eliminate fire. Pull the tabs to release the blanket and toss it over any small fire to instantly suffocate it. 2. Anyone Can Use It It’s lightweight and built for ease of use. From grandparents to kids, the Prepared Hero Fire Blanket works great. Heavy and complex equipment is a thing of the past! 3. No Messy Cleanup Standard fire extinguishers typically leave you with a powdery mess to clean up after. 4. Works On Most Types of Fire Most fires small enough for the blanket to cover around can be eliminated. This includes wood, paper, grease and even electrical fires. Especially once the heat or fuel source has been turned off. 5. Never Expires As long as the blanket is in good condition, it will not expire. There is no costly maintenance or recharging. And it’s often times reusable! If it’s not damaged after using, simply wipe it off and fold it back into the pouch. And remember to keep the quick deploy tabs hanging out! 6.Hero Blanket and Fire Fighters Love Us Prepared Hero Fire Blanket has over 1,500,000 happy customers with an average review of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Many Fire Departments and Fire Fighters approve of Prepared Hero Fire Blankets. See what some people are saying: • Peace of Mind. • Quick and Easy to Use. • Light weight. • Affordable • Can be used conjunction with a fire extinguisher. Why is it so vital to own this fire safety device? Stop a small fire that may become big, quickly. Shouldn't I just wait for the Fire Department to arrive? If your comfortable saving your property or need training the FD or myself is willing to train you how. Statistics show that the average Fire Department response time is at least 5-10 minutes away. Within 3 minutes of a fire in modern day homes, the entire room will already be up in flames. Within the first 60 seconds of a house fire, smoke is so intense and filled with toxicity from plastics that two breaths can cause you to pass out. Eliminating fire while it's still small is essential in preventing disaster. The Prepared Hero Fire Blanket was designed exactly for this type of emergency. It's an affordable and simple way to prevent this life-threatening event from ever occurring. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor- First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- (Trained but not current: Firefighter-Hazmat Team Member)

Don’t Be That Person at the Range: 11 Essential Gun Safety & Etiquette Tips Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a first timer, the shooting range is a space where safety and respect take precedence over everything else. It’s a place to hone your skills, test equipment, and enjoy camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts. However, a single misstep—whether due to carelessness or lack of knowledge—can endanger lives and ruin the experience for everyone. That’s why understanding and adhering to gun safety rules and range etiquette is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the critical safety, and etiquette tips every shooter must know to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the range. Says Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma, Range Etiquette Matters Adhering to gun safety rules and range etiquette isn’t just about avoiding accidents, it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and secure. Whether it’s respecting the firing line, following commands, or cleaning up after yourself, every action contributes to the collective experience. A little courtesy goes a long way in ensuring that the range remains a place where all skill levels are welcome. Kielma continues, let’s take a look at using a firearm at your favorite range: If you don’t know or understand, ASK! 1. Always Keep Your Gun Pointed in a Safe Direction The cardinal rule of gun safety is to always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. At the range, this means always pointing the firearm downrange, even when unloading, cleaning, or setting it down. Outside the range, common sense and situational awareness dictate what constitutes a safe direction. For example, if you’re not on the firing line, keeping the muzzle pointed toward the ground is typically best. This habit ensures that even in the event of an accidental discharge, no one will be harmed. 2. Treat Every Firearm as if It’s Loaded Even if you’ve checked and double-checked that your firearm is unloaded, always treat it as though it’s live. This mindset fosters a culture of caution and minimizes complacency. When you pick up a firearm, inspect the chamber, magazine, and action to ensure they’re clear. This rule may seem overly cautious, but it prevents situations where assumptions lead to tragic accidents. 3. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You’re Ready to Shoot A golden rule of firearm handling is to avoid placing your finger on the trigger until your sights are aligned, your target is identified, and you’re ready to fire. This precaution prevents premature or accidental discharges, which can occur even with a light brush of the trigger. Train yourself to rest your finger outside the trigger guard, alongside the frame of the firearm, as a default position. Developing this habit takes practice but is one of the most effective ways to maintain safety. 4. Follow the Range Officer’s Commands Without Hesitation Range officers are there to keep everyone safe and maintain order, and their instructions are non-negotiable. Commands like “cease fire” or “unload” must be followed immediately and without question. If you’re unsure about what a command means, ask before shooting begins. These instructions are designed to prevent accidents and ensure that all shooters and bystanders remain safe during a range of activities. 5. Use Eye and Ear Protection Always Protecting your vision and hearing is non-negotiable when handling firearms. The sound of gunfire can cause irreversible hearing damage, while ricochets or debris from fired rounds can injure your eyes. High-quality ear protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, and ANSI-rated safety glasses are essential for every shooter, regardless of their experience level. For children, doubling up with both earplugs and earmuffs is recommended for maximum protection. 6. Unload Firearms When Not In Use A firearm should only be loaded when you’re actively shooting at the range. When entering or exiting the facility, walking to your shooting station, or handling your firearm in non-firing areas, it must be unloaded. The action should remain open, and detachable magazines must be removed. Always visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine to confirm they’re clear before setting down or transporting the firearm. 7. Understand and Respect Firing Line Rules The firing line is a designated area where strict safety protocols are enforced. Only handle your firearm at the line when the range is declared “hot” and shooting is allowed. Never touch or load your firearm when someone is downrange, as this creates a significant safety hazard. Wait for the range officer to give the all-clear before resuming any activity at the line. 8. Keep Brass and Ejected Cases Under Control Semi-automatic firearms eject spent brass, which can create a nuisance – or even a safety issue – for neighboring shooters. Be mindful of where your brass is landing and adjust your position if necessary. While collecting your brass is generally allowed, only pick up your own casings, and never retrieve brass that has fallen forward of the firing line. 9. Avoid Rapid Firing Unless Permitted (ask the Range Safety Officer If Permitted…RSO) Most shooting ranges require a minimum of two seconds between shots to ensure accuracy and prevent reckless behavior. Rapid firing, while exciting, can lead to poor control and potentially dangerous situations. Following this rule demonstrates respect for range policies and allows you to focus on improving your marksmanship. 10. Stick to Approved Ammunition Not all ammunition is allowed at every range. Types like tracer rounds, armor-piercing bullets, and steel-core ammunition are often prohibited due to their potential to damage equipment or create safety risks. Check the range’s ammunition policies before bringing your own and use only what’s explicitly approved for the facilities. 11. Clean Up Your Station Before You Leave Leaving a clean station isn’t just polite – it’s a safety measure. Dispose of spent brass, trash, and targets in the appropriate receptacles, and ensure the area is tidy for the next shooter. A well-maintained range benefits everyone and helps foster a sense of community among its users. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales

The Face of a Coldblooded Killer: T. White 77-year-old woman was watching TV with her husband when the man she tried to help start over in life rushed into her home and stabbed her to death with a large knife; man arrested Florida – In a shocking turn of events in Florida, a 31-year-old man, identified as T. White, seeking to rebuild his life, was arrested after he brutally murdered the 77-year-old woman, identified as L. Reed, who generously opened her home to him and tried to help him start over in life. According to reports, White fatally stabbed Reed multiple times in the head and body while she was watching TV in the living room with her husband. Reed and her husband, who extended a helping hand by offering White a place to stay on their property to help him start over in life, faced a terrifying betrayal. White, who had been living in a camper on the couple’s property and was granted access to their home, attacked Reed with a large knife in their living room while the couple was watching TV. The attack occurred on January 20th in the peaceful setting of their home. According to the sheriff’s office, White, without any apparent reason, assaulted Reed with a large knife, inflicting multiple fatal stab wounds to her body and head. Sheriff B. Johnson recounted the horrifying incident to the local media outlets, noting the chilling confession White made to the victim’s husband: “I did what you wanted,” followed by the bizarre justification, “God told him to,” when asked why he committed such a brutal act. The local community has been left reeling by the violence. Neighbors expressed their disbelief, noting how harmless White seemed as he walked up and down the road, underscoring a growing mistrust among residents. Following the attack, the victim’s husband took immediate action, wrapping his wife in a blanket and rushing her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The loss of Reed marks a tragic endpoint to what began as a charitable act, turning an intended recovery story into a fatal tragedy. White fled the scene immediately after the stabbing. His apprehension involved a dramatic sequence of events, including two police pursuits across multiple counties. Initially, these pursuits stemmed from a stolen vehicle report and were not immediately linked to the murder. “Somebody pursued him, but they didn’t know it was a murder suspect at the time,” Sheriff Johnson said. It was only after coordination between jurisdictions that the authorities were informed of White’s status as a murder suspect. Finally, after a vehicle crash and foot chase in the woods, law enforcement successfully captured White. He has been arrested at least seven times previously and was out on probation for another violation just two weeks prior to committing the murder. Currently, White remains in custody, awaiting extradition to face charges for Reed’s murder. This case poses difficult questions about the balance between compassion and self-protection, highlighting a devastating scenario where kindness was repaid with lethal violence. As the community mourns Reed and seeks justice for her untimely death, many are left to ponder the implications of opening their doors to those in need, a sentiment that has undoubtedly been shaken by this tragic incident. The legal proceedings for White are awaited with a keen eye by those affected, hoping for closure and justice for a life brutally taken.

Thomaston Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a Machinegun and Possessing Controlled Substances Friday, January 31, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Maine Chandler Breen possessed a firearm augmented with a machinegun conversion device, equipped with a 50-round magazine PORTLAND, Maine: A Thomaston man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland today to unlawful possessing a machinegun and possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute. According to court records, in April 2024, the Thomaston Police Department received a tip that Chandler Breen, 34, was selling drugs behind a local business. A search of Breen’s vehicle revealed a firearm modified with a machinegun conversion device, 9mm ammunition, a large amount of cash, approximately 62 grams of cocaine, approximately 5 grams of methamphetamine, and at least 6 grams of fentanyl. Breen faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release on the firearms charge; and up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million and a minimum of three years of supervised release on the drug charge. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the Thomaston Police Department. Contact Noah Falk, Assistant United States Attorney (Tel: 207-780-3257) Updated January 31, 2025